The Angelica capitellata is native to California and other parts of western North America. It is also known as ranger buttons and grows in wetlands. It is distinguished by its flowers which have white heads like cotton swabs.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Angelica capitellata, synonym Sphenosciadium capitellatum, is a species of flowering plant in the family Apiaceae. When treated as Sphenosciadium capitellatum, it was the only species in the monotypic genus Sphenosciadium. It is known by the common names woollyhead parsnip, ranger’s buttons, button parsley, and swamp white heads.
The species is included in Toxic Plants of North America (2001).
It is a stout perennial herb growing from a tuberous root and producing an erect stem often exceeding 1 meter (3+1⁄2 feet) tall and sometimes reaching 2.1 m (7 ft) overall. The stem and leaves are usually green but sometimes nearly white in color, smooth below but with rough hairs on the inflorescence. The leaves are 10–40 centimeters (4–15+1⁄2 inches) long and divided into several segments which bear widely spaced leaflets. The leaflets may also be intricately divided into small segments.
The inflorescence is a whitish compound umbel about 10 cm (4 in) across, with many branches. It blooms from July to August. The nearly spherical, headlike terminal umbellets contain many tiny white or purple-tinged flowers, whose protruding stamens make them appear very fuzzy in full bloom, as for the central umbels in the top right image.
The plant is native to western North America from eastern Oregon and central Idaho through Nevada and southern California, reaching into Baja California. It grows in moist habitat types, such as creeksides and meadows.
Ranger’s buttons plants are quite similar to the other large Umbelliferae that share similar habitats: Sierra angelica and cow parsnip, but each has a very differently shaped leaf, and the other two have umbellets with quite distinct flowers, in contrast to the tight balls on ranger’s buttons.
Ranger’s buttons is mildly to moderately toxic to dogs. Dogs that ingest any part of this plant often experience photosensitization, meaning UV light can cause adverse reactions to their skin and/or eyes. Itchiness and small lesions may occur on sun-exposed skin. A trip to the vet is strongly advised following any ingestion of this plant.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Ranger’s buttons is best in partial to full sunlight exposure for optimal growth.
Watering
Originating from moist environments, ranger buttons has adapted to thrive with consistent hydration. This species exhibits a preference for evenly moist soil, indicative of its natural habitat’s conditions. To maintain its lushness, Ranger’s buttons benefit from watering every week. As an herbaceous plant commonly grown outdoors, ranger buttons’s growth cycle is significantly influenced by rainfall patterns, requiring more frequent watering during prolonged dry spells to mimic its native climate.
Soil
Ranger’s buttons include requiring adequate moisture, as it prefers consistently damp soil conditions without being waterlogged.
Fertilizing
For Ranger’s buttons, apply a balanced nutrition fertilizer bi-monthly during the growing season for robust growth and flowering. A lighter feed is beneficial in dormant periods to maintain health without promoting excessive growth. Always water Ranger’s buttons well after feeding to distribute nutrients and prevent root burn. Adjust quantities based on plant size and soil fertility, following product guidelines. Over-fertilization can harm ranger buttons, so proceed with caution, especially when plants are young. Regular fertilization of ranger buttons heightens resistance to pests and diseases, ensuring vitality.
Propagation
Ranger’s buttons is a distinctive species favored for its clustered inflorescences. For effective cultivation, propagation primarily involves sowing seeds. Secure fresh, quality seeds to enhance germination prospects. Sow directly into well-draining, fertile soil, barely covering them. Ensure the growing medium is consistently moist but not waterlogged, providing a nurturing environment for seedlings. Gentle handling of the delicate roots during transplantation promotes healthy establishment. With attentiveness to these conditions, gardeners can successfully cultivate ranger buttons.
Transplanting
The prime time for relocating Ranger’s buttons is when nature reawakens in early to mid-spring, or as it prepares to slumber from mid to late fall. Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun. Gentle handling ensures a successful transition.
